Rules for Behavior Between Siblings
Published March 2013: Mom.Me
Rules for Behavior Between Siblings in the House
How to teach your kids to get along — yes, really
Article Excerpt:
A sibling is often a blessing in disguise. He can be your best friend one moment and an archenemy the next. Sibling rivalry can get out of hand, though, when rules for behavior are not established early on. “Parents need to help their children establish rules and boundaries for how to get along with another,” says Dr. Nancy Buck, a Colorado-based developmental psychologist and author of “Peaceful Parenting.” Continue reading
Activities to Keep Siblings From Fighting
Published December 2012: Mom.Me
Activities to Keep Siblings From Fighting
Tips to maximize teamwork and minimize rivalry
Article Excerpt:
Siblings are naturally going to bicker and battle on a regular basis, no matter how much you try to keep the peace. “It is unrealistic to expect siblings not to fight,” says Jamie Rishikof, a Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy. “They are rivals because they are thrust into a situation of constant negotiation and sharing. They have to share mom, dad, the house, the TV and the car — and not by choice.” Continue reading
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Published April 2011: eHow Family & Relationships
Your Turn: Games to Foster Better Sibling Relationships
Create a Winning Match Through Play
Article Excerpt:
A squabble over toys or a disagreement about house rules may seem pretty typical between a brother and sister. However, when the arguing escalates and disrupts home life for the entire family, it may indicate that sibling rivalry is rearing its ugly head.
According to New York-based Jane Greer, Ed.D., a nationally known marriage and family therapist and author of “What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship,” when children aren’t taught to share, it results in severe sibling rivalry. Continue reading
Diary of a Wimpy Mom
A few evenings ago I took my 9 and 11-year old to see a screening of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” The movie was quite entertaining with more than a fair share of references to boogers, moldy cheese and bathroom bombs.
What made me laugh the most, though, was the chaotic household of this “wimpy” kid. He and his older brother defined sibling rivalry. They physically fought, verbally tortured each other and pranked one another constantly. At one point, one brother even peed on the other in retaliation. Continue reading
Howdy Neighbor
After spending two weeks listening to my children fight with each other about anything and everything possible, we resorted back to a plan we adopted last summer. They became neighbors, not siblings.
As odd and unconventional as the plan sounds, it has worked for us in the past and evolved out of desperation. My son and daughter are at ages (9 and 11) where they both want independence, they don’t want to be bothered with a younger brother or older sister, and they don’t seem to mesh as well as they did when they were younger. Continue reading
Big Wheel Keep on Turnin’
As young children, we often live in the shadows of our siblings. We tend to tag along with the older ones, mimicking their likes and dislikes. We dote on the younger ones, trying to play mom while tending to their wants and needs.
As the middle child, clearly suffering from middle child syndrome, I always felt part of the gang but clearly suffered from an identity crisis. I was Dana’s younger sister. I was Molly’s older sister. I was the middle one, the only one without red hair. In reality, though, I just wanted to be Shannon.
During a cool, fall day in 1980, I claimed my identity, my independence, and launched the first of many adventures that sparked the growth of my stubborn and precocious personality. Continue reading
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 